Stena Line
Check the Gothenburg departure for your date, passenger category, vehicle space and ticket conditions.
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Sweden → Germany
Gothenburg to Kiel Ferry Route Guide
Start in Gothenburg and plan the crossing to Kiel: choose the departure terminal, compare the dated sailing and arrange the connection after landing. Use the reverse guide for the return journey.
Check the dated return sailingStena LineConfirm operator and passenger category
Route guide
Travel from Gothenburg to Kiel
This page covers the Gothenburg to Kiel direction. Check the departure from Gothenburg specifically: the return timetable, vessel and intermediate calls can differ from those in the opposite direction.
Departing Gothenburg. Foot passengers and vehicles are accepted on the main services, although some departures outside terminal opening hours may have restrictions for foot passengers. Check the exact sailing and terminal instructions before travel.
On arrival in Kiel. The routes use different terminals. Color Line uses Norwegenkai, Stena Line uses Schwedenkai, and DFDS uses Ostuferhafen at Ostuferhafen 15, 24149 Kiel. Norwegenkai and Schwedenkai are close to the central station; Ostuferhafen is on the eastern side of the fjord.
Use the dated timetable for the departure and arrival time. Do not calculate this direction from the outward crossing time: daylight, overnight and multi-stop sailings can have different durations.
Corridor context. Kiel–Gothenburg is Stena Line’s direct overnight connection between Germany and Sweden. The operator currently publishes a 14-hour crossing aboard Stena Germanica or Stena Scandinavica.
For the opposite direction and the original crossing details, see Kiel → Gothenburg.
Ferry companies
Ferry operator for Gothenburg–Kiel
Compare the exact sailing and the conditions for your passenger and vehicle category.
Ports & terminals
Gothenburg departure and Kiel arrival
Gothenburg
Foot passengers and vehicles are accepted on the main services, although some departures outside terminal opening hours may have restrictions for foot passengers. Check the exact sailing and terminal instructions before travel.
Read the Gothenburg port guide →Kiel
The routes use different terminals. Color Line uses Norwegenkai, Stena Line uses Schwedenkai, and DFDS uses Ostuferhafen at Ostuferhafen 15, 24149 Kiel. Norwegenkai and Schwedenkai are close to the central station; Ostuferhafen is on the eastern side of the fjord.
Read the Kiel port guide →On the crossing
Prepare for the vessel and journey booked
Facilities depend on the vessel assigned to the departure. Treat the booking result and operator confirmation as the source for the exact ship and onboard services.
Seating and accommodation
Use the dated timetable for the departure and arrival time. Do not calculate this direction from the outward crossing time: daylight, overnight and multi-stop sailings can have different durations.
What to keep with you
Keep tickets, medicines, weatherproof layers and essentials with you. On a vehicle ferry, access to the garage is usually restricted once the ship is at sea. Check whether the selected ticket includes a seat, cabin or only passage.
Vehicles, bicycles and assistance
Check the passenger and vehicle categories for the selected operator and vessel. Foot-passenger access, car space, bicycle arrangements, luggage and assistance may differ between services on the same corridor.
Before departure
Tickets, identification and check-in
Booking confirmation
Keep the final confirmation accessible and check whether a QR code, printed ticket or exchange at the terminal is required. The supplier’s instructions override general guidance.
Identification
Carry the identification and travel documents required for the countries and territories in your itinerary. Domestic routes can still have operator identification rules.
Arrival time
Vehicle check-in often closes earlier than foot-passenger check-in. Use the time on the ticket and allow extra margin for traffic, parking or terminal access.
Onward travel
On arrival in Kiel
The routes use different terminals. Color Line uses Norwegenkai, Stena Line uses Schwedenkai, and DFDS uses Ostuferhafen at Ostuferhafen 15, 24149 Kiel. Norwegenkai and Schwedenkai are close to the central station; Ostuferhafen is on the eastern side of the fjord.
The routes use different terminals. Color Line uses Norwegenkai, Stena Line uses Schwedenkai, and DFDS uses Ostuferhafen at Ostuferhafen 15, 24149 Kiel. Norwegenkai and Schwedenkai are close to the central station; Ostuferhafen is on the eastern side of the fjord.
Compare options
Return travel and alternatives
For the return, use the Kiel to Gothenburg guide. Check both directions before choosing accommodation. If no sailing appears, use the official timetable to distinguish a sold-out departure, a seasonal service and an operator absent from the comparison search.
Connect the Gothenburg to Kiel crossing with your land journey
Build the itinerary in sailing order: reach the departure terminal at Gothenburg, complete ferry check-in, then plan the transfer from the arrival terminal at Kiel. Compare that full sequence with the route in the booking result; a place name alone does not identify the quay or the passenger entrance.
Plan the two ends of the crossing: Gothenburg departure and local travel guide · Kiel arrival and local travel guide.
For the return, the journey starts at Kiel. Use the Kiel to Gothenburg guide to check that departure separately; the last useful connection and the terminal approach at Kiel may differ from the outward trip.
Map orientation: Gothenburg area in Google Maps · Kiel area in Google Maps.
The map searches show the named places. Use the terminal address and reporting instructions on your operator confirmation for navigation to check-in.
Frequently asked questions
Gothenburg to Kiel ferry FAQs
Where does the Gothenburg to Kiel ferry leave?
Foot passengers and vehicles are accepted on the main services, although some departures outside terminal opening hours may have restrictions for foot passengers. Check the exact sailing and terminal instructions before travel.
How long is the crossing?
The planning guide is Check the dated return sailing. Confirm the departure and arrival shown for the exact date, since vessel assignments and intermediate stops can change.
Which operator should I check?
Stena Line. This page covers the Gothenburg to Kiel direction. Check the departure from Gothenburg specifically: the return timetable, vessel and intermediate calls can differ from those in the opposite direction.
Can I take a vehicle or bicycle?
Check the passenger and vehicle categories for the selected operator and vessel. Foot-passenger access, car space, bicycle arrangements, luggage and assistance may differ between services on the same corridor.
How do I arrange my return?
Check the Kiel to Gothenburg timetable before booking the outward journey. A return may use a different vessel, schedule or intermediate-stop pattern.
What if the route is not in the comparison form?
Use the official operator timetable and booking link on this page. Some local routes and passenger categories are not sold through the comparison provider; a blank result alone does not establish that the route has closed.
What should I plan after arrival?
The routes use different terminals. Color Line uses Norwegenkai, Stena Line uses Schwedenkai, and DFDS uses Ostuferhafen at Ostuferhafen 15, 24149 Kiel. Norwegenkai and Schwedenkai are close to the central station; Ostuferhafen is on the eastern side of the fjord.
Compare live sailings
Check Prices & AvailabilityPlan your Gothenburg to Kiel crossing
Search the exact date, passengers and vehicle details, then verify the route and operator before booking.